For most people, cooking is nothing more than a daily chore they have to take care of. But for many, cooking is an enjoyable hobby, something to look forward to. It can also become your gateway to a healthier life. The best cooks are those who are always willing to learn new techniques. Furthering your knowledge also makes the cooking experience far more pleasurable; use the following tips to help you grow as a cook.
There are many dishes you can make with apples, especially in cold-weather months. But if stored improperly, well, one bad apple does spoil the bushel. Keep your apples in a cool and humid place and avoid dry hot areas. Remember the rule, one bad apple will spoil the bunch.
Make sure to include winter greens in your diet. Following the first winter frost, greens like collards, broccoli rabe and kale become much sweeter in taste. Pick deep and bright greens, avoiding the yellow and limp ones. When preparing the greens it is important to wash them thoroughly as they can be covered in dirt. First, fully submerge each bunch in cold water. After removing the greens, shake them off and rinse thoroughly.
Do you feel bad when you throw away fruit that has gone bad? Do not cut the rotten part and eat the rest. In truth, half-rotten fruit cannot be salvaged in any safe manner. These foods can cause you to become ill, as mold goes much deeper than the eye can see.
When trying to eat a healthier diet or lose weight, you should decrease the portion of oils used in cooking meals. Oil and butter provide a lot of un-needed fat. Cooking spray is usually fat free and it help keep food from sticking to pots and pans.
Beans and tofu are great sources of protein if you need to add some to your diet. You can buy both items at almost any grocery store, and they will fit into any budget. For a meat alternative, try pan frying seasoned tofu. The beans can be boiled with some herbs for a flavorful protein source.
Garlic is a popular ingredient that has one notable downside; its trademark scent transfers easily to your skin. After touching garlic or another strong-smelling ingredient, stop and rub your hands on your stainless steel faucet. This will clean your hands of the smell that can get onto to the food that you have to handle next.
Preparing dark greens can be painstaking, but they provide a great source of nutrients for your body. Removing thick, tough leaf stems can be time-consuming. To make it easy, fold the leaf lengthwise and remove the stem through the middle. Cut the stem with a knife. When you unfold it, you’ll have a perfect, de-stemmed leaf.
If you are planning a complex meal, reduce your stress by doing the prep the night before. Always look at the recipe and do the menial tasks such as chopping and measuring in advance. Verify that you have all ingredients. You will only have to get everything put together when it’s time for you to cook.
There are a few ways in which you can reheat tortillas. One way is to preheat the oven temperature to 350, then place the tortillas on the rack. Or you can place a tortilla directly over the flame when you are cooking with a gas stove top. Either of these ways adds a crisp, fresh texture to your tortillas and Mexican dishes.
As you have seen, the key to becoming better at cooking is continuing to learn all you can. Learning about different cooking methods and types of foods is half the fun of cooking. You should also share these tips with others. Cooking is a skill which should be be developed and sharpened, as well as shared with other people.